Despite the polarization which seemingly defines Washington, D.C., Texas’ lawmakers are working to get things done.
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, introduced the bipartisan Space Frontier Act along with four other senators.
If passed, the bill would provide funding for the International Space Station through 2030 and eliminate regulations to spur developments in the commercial space sector, which—according to Cruz and other supportive lawmakers—would strengthen America’s leadership in space exploration.
On filing the legislation, Cruz issued the following statement.
“The Space Frontier Act moves our nation forward in taking the critical step of continuing the operations and utilization of the International Space Station through 2030, securing the United States’ competitive edge against China in low-Earth orbit, and enacts meaningful reforms to modernize our nation’s launch and re-entry regulations, and streamlines nongovernmental Earth observation regulations.”
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) lauded Cruz’s legislation, noting the bipartisan nature and benefits of the bill.
“The bill passed the Senate through unanimous consent last year, and I am glad to continue this bipartisan effort to provide certainty and a firmer launchpad for our commercial space industry … the Space Frontier Act will help the American space industry achieve new heights, all while protecting small businesses and the scientific research that benefits all Americans through innovation and discovery,” said Markey.
The bill was introduced last year but was defeated in the House because of a provision which, according to Democrats, limited government oversight of the space industry.
Cruz’s new version was written to alleviate these concerns, giving more power to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation for oversight.
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